HAMMOND | A Purdue University Calumet professor has been elected national chairman of the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

Mohammad Zahraee, a Naperville, Ill., resident and professor of mechanical engineering technology, is serving a one-year term during which he will oversee all accreditation visits of college and university engineering technology academic programs.

The Technology Accreditation Commission is one of four commissions of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. The commission accredits some 700 technology programs in more than 220 institutions nationally and internationally.

"My election to this prestigious position is a great honor, which comes with a tremendous responsibility and excitement on my part," said Zahraee, a 19-year Purdue Calumet faculty member and former department head. "This certainly is a personal accolade in my professional career."

As national chairman, Zahraee's responsibilities also include heading an executive committee.

"This is a recognition given to a leader and outstanding expert in engineering technology education," Dean of Purdue Calumet's School of Technology Niaz Latif said. "Dr. Zahraee has made significant contributions to the improvement of technology programs here and abroad. His election indeed brings honor to Purdue Calumet and our School of Technology."

Previously, Zahraee served as chair-elect and vice chairman of operations, each for a one-year term. He has been a member of the executive committee since 2003, served as team chairman of accreditation visits and as a program evaluator.

He holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Southern Illinois University. He also has a master's in structural engineering and Ph.D. in engineering mechanics from the University of Illinois-Chicago.

- THE TIMES